Modification in Deputation Guidelines for Officers to State Governments

*New Delhi, August 22, 2024* — The Central Government has issued new directives to modify the guidelines governing the deputation of Central Government officers to State Governments, Union Territories (UTs), and various public sector and autonomous bodies. This update was communicated through an Office Memorandum (OM) from the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), dated August 22, 2024.

The memorandum, which was reviewed by Cross Town News, references a previous OM No. 6/8/2023-Pers. Policy (Deputation/Re-employment) Pt.XV dated March 15, 2024. The earlier OM outlined the procedure for extending the deputation of Group ‘A’ officers beyond three years, stipulating that such extensions would require review and recommendation by a designated Committee before being submitted to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) for final approval.

As a one-time measure, the designated Committee has also been tasked with reviewing the ongoing deputations of officers to State Governments, UT administrations, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Autonomous Bodies, Statutory Bodies, Universities, and Local Bodies where the officers have at least six months remaining in their tenure. The Committee will then provide its recommendations to the ACC for consideration of whether these officers should continue their deputation until the end of their current term.

The OM further clarifies in Para 3(xix) that Cadre Controlling Authorities should review and submit all cases of Group ‘A’ officers on deputation to State Governments and UT administrations, including PSUs and Autonomous Bodies, in accordance with the guidelines. These cases should be forwarded to the DoPT along with the approval of the Minister in-Charge for the ACC's consideration.

Despite the clear instructions issued on March 15, 2024, the DoPT noted that it has received few cases from the concerned administrative Ministries and Departments for review. This has prompted the Department to reiterate the need for strict compliance with the guidelines.

All Ministries, Departments, and Offices have been urged to review the cases as required and submit them, along with the necessary approvals, for consideration by the designated Committee and the ACC. Additionally, a list of cases due for review must be submitted in the prescribed format by August 20, 2024, via the provided email address.

This move is seen as an effort to ensure greater oversight and consistency in the management of officer deputations, maintaining a balance between central and state-level administrative functions.